After thoroughly crushing the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 with a score of 126-97, the New York Knicks were celebrating their strong 3-2 series lead and being only one win away from moving forward.
However, the celebration plans were put on hold after the injury update brought some bad news to their ambitions to close out the series.
Josh Hart, one of the Knicks’ key starters and the most difficult to replace, is doubtful for Game 6, and this is a serious issue New York must address.
Josh Hart’s Injury Update: What We Know
GettyGuard Josh Hart of the New York Knicks injury update
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, “Knicks are listing Josh Hart (lower back contusion) as questionable for Game 6 of Knicks-Hawks tomorrow. Hart appeared to hurt his back during NYK’s Game 5 win. Knicks lead series, 3-2.”
Hart left the last game with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter, going straight to the locker room and not coming back to the bench. Coach Mike Brown didn’t give any details about his condition right after the game.
Hart has had problems with his back before, in fact, he was sidelined for three weeks earlier this season due to lower back issue.
Why Josh Hart’s Absence Is a Huge Issue for the New York Knicks
GettyIf Without Josh Hart, the New York Knicks could be in Serious Trouble for Game 6
Hart has been the backbone of New York’s successful season run. In the playoffs, he is averaging around 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.8 assists through the first five games of this series.
Apart from a scoring hole his absence creates, it really messes up the Knicks’ defensive schemes too. It seems like the Knicks would have to put OG Anunoby on Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, and then they would have to run around to fill the gaps, which would probably lead to breakdowns and less deflections.
The Knicks really depend on their starting players as the lack of one of them causes the whole team to lose track of their rhythm and chemistry. For example, when Hart was out of the team, the Knicks’ whole game was off as they did not run fast enough, they lost offensive rebounds and their defense on the outside was weak.
Coach Mike Brown himself admitted, “Having Josh there helps a ton.” The Knicks finished 9-7 without Hart in the regular season, a record that does not inspire confidence heading into a playoff closeout game.
Miles McBride Steps Up, But Questions Remain
GettyKnicks guard Josh Hart reacts during a playoff game as his status remains uncertain ahead of Game 6.
The most likely candidate to fill Hart’s starting spot is Miles McBride, with Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson serving as secondary options off the bench.
However, the concern is real, these players thrive in bench roles alongside familiar partners but struggle to replicate Hart’s playmaking and energy when thrust into a starting lineup setting. McBride, while a strong point-of-attack defender, simply cannot guard the likes of Jalen Johnson given the size mismatch.
The Knicks’ starting unit chemistry took years to build around Hart’s do-it-all role, and one replacement cannot replicate that overnight.
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